'Hairil was only 11 & a special child': Faishal Ibrahim & Goh Pei Ming will provide assistance to family of missing boy found dead at ECP

Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim offered his deepest condolences to the family of Muhammad Hairil Muhammad Effendi.

Hairil was an 11-year-old boy with nonverbal autism who went missing for over 30 hours.

He was last seen at 29 Marine Crescent at around 11:05am on Aug. 29.

At around 9:55pm on Aug. 30, his body was found floating in the waters off East Coast Park.

He was brought ashore and was subsequently pronounced dead on the scene by a SCDF paramedic.

Preliminary investigations do not suspect foul play. Police investigations are ongoing.

Faishal shared on Facebook that he visited Hairil's family and relatives at the Singapore General Hospital mortuary on Aug. 31.

"Hairil was only 11 and a special child, deeply loved by his parents and those around him," said Faishal.

"As a father, I can only imagine the pain his parents are going through. My heart goes out to them, and I pray that Allah grants them strength, patience, and comfort during this most difficult time."

Family grateful to everyone

Faishal added that he has spoke to Hairil's mother twice this week and this morning, and that the boy's family is grateful to everyone for coming together to help search for him.

He shared that since the news broke that Hairil was missing, many were worried and stepped forward to help spread the word and join the search.

Faishal, along with Minister of State for Home Affairs and Member of Parliament for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights, Goh Pei Ming, activated the Marine Parade-Braddell Heights community network.

Faishal also sought support from the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) and the mosques, especially those in the Marine Parade area, to help look out for Hairil.

Goh, grassroots advisers and leaders, social service agencies and Faishal himself will provide assistance to the family during this period, the latter added.

"My heartfelt thanks to everyone for all that you have done over these past few days. This outpouring of care and support is a reminder of the deep compassion and solidarity that binds us together."

Was with the family when boy was found

Goh also shared in a Facebook post that he was with Hairil's family when the boy was found on Aug. 30.

"My heart goes out to them during this incredibly difficult time. The Marine Parade family stands with them, and we will do everything we can to support them through this period of grief and healing," Goh said.

He also expressed his gratitude to the Singapore Police Force and the Singapore Civil Defence Force for their efforts and dedication in the search.

Top photos via Ianida Memesafian/Facebook & Telegram